Fate of US base delayed

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama confirmed reports that Japan needs several more months to decide on the relocation of a major US military base on the southern island of Okinawa, in a delay that the US Marine Corps commandant said was unfortunate.

The US had hoped for a resolution by year-end, but Hatoyama said a hasty decision would be irresponsible. Okinawa residents complain about base-related noise, pollution and crime, and many want the base closed.